If you’re a huge foodie like me and lucky enough to have the opportunity to study abroad, you definitely feel the pressure to visit every recommended or famous restaurant in your new home. The struggle comes with somehow squeezing these meals into a few short months without breaking the bank or needing to go up a size in your favorite jeans. It’s quite the challenge and my desire to check off every place on my Florence food bucket list is no exception. For the purpose of this article, I decided to give you the inside scoop on the best panini in Florence, Italy and make your next meal decision a little less stressful.
Hours
Nothing tastes better than a fresh panini in the morning… or at night or really anytime in between. Pino’s has definitely taken the gold in this department for their 8 AM to 8 PM hours. All’Antico Vinaio, on the other hand, opens from 10 AM to 3 PM, takes a little siesta (the Spanish word for an afternoon nap), and reopens from 7 PM to 10 PM. So, if you’re looking for a breakfast panini or a pre-dinner snack, Pino’s has you covered.
Takeaway
After waiting in line for what seems like forever, you finally reach the front and immediately recognize a huge difference between these two restaurants. Both of All’Antico Vinaio’s counters (conveniently located across the street from one another) offer extremely limited seating in the form of stools across from the counter. It is common to find patrons eating on the sidewalk, walking down the street or even spotted across the Ponte Vecchio with the notable white and red wrapper. Pino’s, however, offers takeaway and in-restaurant seating. It may seem small at first, but after ordering customers quickly discover a large room filled with tables to the right of the front door.
Meat, Cheese and Pesto, Oh My!
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of these amazing creations. All’Antico Vinaio is full of warning signs such as, “We don’t have pesto, were not in Naples” and “Only one cheese per sandwich, this isn’t pizza!” If the craving for pesto and excessive cheese affects your order head over to Pino’s. My stomach did a happy dance when they added turkey to my caprese and pesto sandwich. Don’t discredit All’Antico, however, their selections of meats and cheese sandwich between two massive pieces of bread are definitely a force to be reckin’ with.
#Spoontip: All’Antico Vinaio doesn’t advertise turkey on the menu, but will make it if you ask.
Social Media
Pino’s may have All’Antico Vinaio beat on hours and in-house seating, but nothing can outshine All’Antico’s social media presence. With over 23,000 followers on Instagram and a top ten ranking on Trip Advisor for all restaurants in Florence, this panini shop is undoubtably famous. Pino’s does advertise a weekly Instagram contest, which offers one winner a free lunch and repost of their photo on their official account. To enter simply hashtag #PinosSandwiches and tag @pozzodivinopino. Free lunch? I’m down.
The Verdict
Still can’t decide? Next time you find yourself leaving the Uffizi hop in the end of the line at All’Antico Vinaio. Touring Santa Croce instead? Walk a few steps to get some Pino’s. Either sandwich is bound to blow your mind, stuff your stomach without burning a hole in your wallet. Bon appétit!